Geotechnical Engineer

Ready to pursue your professional journey with Northern Star? As an ASX 50 global-scale gold miner, we have sizeable operations in Western Australia and Alaska. With unparalleled pathways for advancement and avenues for personal growth, we stand as Australia’s premier gold employer. Your journey starts here.

At Northern Star, we live by our STARR Core Values of Safety, Teamwork, Accountability, Respect and Results. These Values are not just words on paper; they are the cornerstone of our Company culture and guide everything we do. You will play a pivotal role in upholding these Values and contributing to our collective success.

We are thrilled to offer an exciting opportunity for a dedicated Geotechnical Engineer to join our prestigious KCGM Operations. This is residential role offering a balanced 8:6 roster with 11-hour workdays. Reporting to the Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Projects, you will provide expert advice on slope stability and hazard management to ensure safe and effective open cut mining. If you have a passion for safety, continuous improvement, and data-driven solutions, this role offers a rewarding platform to excel.

Here’s what awaits you:

Geotechnical Guidance
Provide expert advice on slope stability, ground support design, and risk management to enhance safety and productivity.

Hazard Identification and Risk Management
Proactively identify hazards, assess risks, implement effective controls, and document findings. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure safe work practices and adherence to safety protocols.

Data Analysis, Reporting, and Compliance
Analyse geotechnical data from monitoring, mapping, logging, and laboratory tests to prepare comprehensive reports that guide mine planning and ensure safe pit operations. Conduct slope reconciliation to align as-built pit geometry, rock mass, and structures with design parameters.

Geotechnical Data Collection and Investigations
Perform detailed pit wall mapping, geotechnical logging of drill cores, and oversee laboratory testing to evaluate rock mass and shear strength properties. Coordinate geotechnical studies and drilling investigations, including the installation of subsurface monitoring instruments like piezometers, inclinometers, and seismic sensors.

Hydrology
Monitor groundwater using tools like piezometers, manage surface water through drainage and diversion, and implement depressurization drilling to enhance pit wall stability.

To thrive in this role, you’ll need:

Qualifications:

• Tertiary qualification in Geotechnical, Mining, Civil Engineering, or Geology (or equivalent).
• Knowledge of the Mine Safety and Inspection Act and Regulations.
• Valid driver’s license (manual preferred).

Experience:

• 3 to 8 years of hands-on geotechnical experience in open cut mining environments.
• Proven track record of proactively identifying geotechnical hazards (e.g., slope failures, rockfalls), assessing risks, implementing controls, and collaborating with stakeholders for safe operations.
• Experience designing and implementing ground support systems (e.g., rock bolts, mesh) for wall stability.
• Competent in geotechnical logging and conducting mapping (field-based and photogrammetry).
• Demonstrated expertise in geotechnical investigations, with familiarity in diamond and reverse circulation drilling techniques.
• Experience collecting, organizing, and securely storing geotechnical data for analysis and compliance.
• Desirable experience in groundwater monitoring using tools like piezometers and standpipes to assess water pressure and flow, enhancing slope stability, dewatering, and safety.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse diverse geotechnical data and produce clear, comprehensive technical reports.
• Proficient in specialized geotechnical software, including Adamtech, RocScience suites, Maptek Vulcan, and Deswik (or similar).

Passion for Growth:

• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively liaise with clients and colleagues.
• Collaborative approach with the ability to work effectively in a team or independently.
• Desire for continuous improvement.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to safety and quality standards.

Discover the perks of working at Northern Star…

• Company subsidised GU Health Insurance.
• Gold Price Variable bonus incentive.
• Short-term incentive bonus program.
• 5 weeks annual leave for site-based employees.
• Employee Share Plan programs.
• Gold standard parental leave policy.
• GoldSTARR rewards program - cash savings for everyday expenses.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) that includes free, confidential counselling and wellbeing services.
• Salary continuance (income protection) insurance from commencement.
• Salary sacrificing benefits, including novated leasing and remote area living benefit options.

Eligibility:
Candidates must meet our pre-employment criteria which includes a medical, drug and alcohol screening, relevant right to work and valid Australian national police clearance.    
Northern Star is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workforce.  We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.

Apply now to join the Northern Star team!